On March 11 2016, the Regina Dominican National Honors Society  hosted the 5th annual Dance Marathon. The dance took place from 6:30 pm-10:00 pm.

The event raised money for the Autoinflammatory Alliance which provides information, care, and support to those who have rare genetic diseases.

The Regina Dominican community danced to raise money for the Alliance. This organization is close to Regina Dominican theology teacher and NHS adviser, Mrs. McGrath’s heart. Her niece, Kayla, suffers from an autoinflammatory disease.

Approximately $4,500 was accumulated throughout the fundraiser to help support research. Even better was the opportunity for Kayla to come and dance with her cousins, girls from Regina, boys from Notre Dame, boys from St. Pats, as well as other members of the community at Regina Dominican.

The dance was quite successful not only in the amount of money that was raised to help people with rare inflammatory illnesses, but in that everyone who was able to attend had a blast dancing and spending time with their friends!

Upon entry, a Regina Dominican Dance Marathon t-shirt was given out with an orange wristband from the Autoinflammatory Alliance. Two ping-pong tables were also set up in the student entrance for anyone to play.

Once inside the cafeteria, the dance floor was open for all! In addition to the DJ that was playing great songs to dance to and taking requests, there were some other great activities that have been available in the past.

A photo booth that fit five was set up by the teachers’ lounge where you could dress up and take pictures with friends and teachers. A balloon artist was making hats and such right next to a professional face-painter who could transform you into a fierce tiger or a beautiful butterfly.

Becca Richards ’19 attended her first Dance Marathon this year and said, “I liked how it was casual and everyone was enjoying themselves while raising money for a good cause.”

Lauren Murphy ’17 has attended Dance Marathon in the past and has enjoyed each one, saying “Dance Marathon was a great night to hangout with friends. The photo booth is always a hit because I get to take pictures with not only my friends, but my teachers too! Every year the yearbook staff takes their annual picture making funny faces and using all the props possible!”

Donating to the Autoinflammatory Alliance, which helps people like Kayla, was the true purpose of hosting this Dance Marathon. Mrs. McGrath noted that Kayla has been brought up knowing she ought to be grateful when people are kind and generous toward her. Kayla was so appreciative of the opportunity to go to a dance that was raising money for an organization that has kept her healthy.

When asked about how important it is to donate to the Autoinflammatory Alliance, Mrs. McGrath said, “It is extremely important to me. Just watching her grow up and knowing that this organization has helped to provide for her and keep her alive is amazing.”

Kayla was diagnosed with Neonatal Onset Multisystem Inflammatory Disease (NOMID) as a young child. She has been going to the National Institute of Health (NIH) to receive care.

The NIH released a video describing Kayla’s condition and the help she has been receiving at the NIH. Here is the video:

Raising money for a great cause can be very easy when it is coupled with dancing and having fun. The Regina Dominican National Honors Society has thrown great Dance Marathons for the past five years.